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5 Factors That Influence Cost of a Roof Repair
Continue Reading5 Factors That Influence Cost of a Roof Repair
When you need a roof repair, getting a professional, experienced roofing contractor to assess the damage on your roof is important.
This is because the repair may be more extensive than you realize. It helps to know what you’re getting into before you consider the cost of a roof repair.
The following are several factors that can influence the cost of your roof repair, so keep them in mind when getting your professional estimate.
The Type of Roof
Many times, a repair is dependent on the type of roof that you have. Your roof may have a unique shape or material that may make repairs more challenging.As a result of the various different types of roofing materials and the shape of the actual roof, roof repair costs can vary between homes. Some jobs will require additional labor or material. Typically, the least expensive material to repair is asphalt.
Matching the material you have—whether it’s asphalt, slate, tile, or metal—is essential to ensuring your home remains protected with a consistent look.
Necessary Permits
The area where you live may affect the costs of your roof repair depending on the scope of your project. If your roofing repair is more extensive, you might need a permit for it.The price for a permit can vary. Some areas do a flat rate for roofing repair permits while others may base the permit cost on the scope of the project or the size of your home.
You can ask your roofing contractor if they think a permit will be necessary for your job and how much the cost of the permit may be during your estimate.
The Size of the Job
The size of your roofing repair will effectively be the biggest factor that affects the cost of your job. Consider that in addition to labor, materials are sold based on 10-foot sections of roof. So even if your repair is small, you might be stuck paying for this much material.Talk with your roofing contractor about the scope of your roofing repair job. Sometimes—especially if your roof damage turns out to be more extensive than you originally thought—it might be more cost effective to go with a roof replacement.
Existing Damage
Water works quickly to damage your home. If your structure has been infiltrated with water, this type of damage might go unseen until the roofer removes the shingles and is able to more thoroughly inspect what’s underneath.Repairing water damage can be expensive and raise your cost, but of course, it’s essential to repair any water or structural damage and this element shouldn’t be overlooked for everyone’s safety.
Chimneys, Skylights, and Other Structures
If your roof has any unique elements, these can raise the cost of the job. If the problem is originating from flashing around a chimney or skylight, your roofer will need to replace the flashing and it could be more costly.This is because working around these elements will require more labor and may also present challenges to your roofer. Checking for damage around these areas is essential when getting an estimate from a reputable company for your roofing repair.
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5 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
Continue Reading5 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof
It’s not always easy to know whether or not you need a new roof. Of course, there are obvious signs, such as a leak in your home or major storm damage, but what else tells you that a roof replacement is in order?
The following five signs provide major insight into the health of your roof. By evaluating each individual component along with the assessment of a professional roofing contractor, you can know what the next best step is for your roof.
Your Roof Is Showing Its Age
The typical life expectancy of asphalt roofs is about 20 years. This depends on the quality of the craftsmanship and materials as well as whether or not the old roof was removed.Ventilation also plays a role when it comes to your roof showing its age. If your current roof was installed over an existing roof, chances are your ventilation isn’t optimal and this could be causing excess heat in the structure of the roof.
You may need a new roof sooner if your current roof was placed over an old roof, and especially if your roof is over two decades old!
Your Roof’s Shingles Are in Rough Shape
When shingles are curled, cracked, missing, or even bubbling, it could be that your roof has reached the end of its life.If you have shingles that are only showing wear in specific areas, investigate those areas with the help of a roofing contractor to determine the cause. If your entire roof is showing shingle wear, it’s time to consider a roof replacement.
If your roof isn’t old but its shingles are still showing damage, contact your roofing contractor or the manufacturer of your shingles, as this could be a defect and you may be entitled to a reimbursement.
Granules Are Missing
Granules help keep shingles resistant to damage and wear, thus playing a major role in the lifespan of your roof.If your gutters contain a significant amount of granules, your roof might be approaching the need for replacement. You might even be seeing darker areas on your roof. While dark streaks can be indicative of algae, dark areas or patches could point to missing granules and therefore compromised roof shingles.
When the shingle’s granules are missing, the shingle won’t be able to properly do its job. Shingles tend to lose more granules as they age, so the amount of granules you’re seeing could help you know whether or not you need a new roof.
Your Flashing Is Damaged
Flashing around chimneys and roofing vents play an instrumental part in keeping water out of these important areas on your roof.If your flashing is aged and consists of tar (or even cement), it might be time to consider a roof replacement that incorporates a metal flashing system, which can help create a seamless barrier and prevent leaks.
Your Roof’s Structure Is Compromised
If your roof feels spongy or bouncy while walking on it, the underlying structure might be damaged from moisture.You can investigate your attic to see if daylight is coming through the roof boards or to check for moisture in the insulation. If your roof’s structure is compromised, this is unsafe for your home and should be promptly evaluated by a professional roofing contractor.
Are you seeing these signs on your home’s current roof? If so, it might be time for a new roof. An assessment from a professional roofing contractor can help you know for sure. Get in touch with your local roofing professionals to evaluate the status of your current roof!
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Is Your Roof in Need of a Repair or a Replacement?
Continue ReadingIs Your Roof in Need of a Repair or a Replacement?
Keeping up with your roof maintenance is one of the biggest tasks every homeowner faces. Just because you have a brand-new roof doesn’t mean you’re in the clear for avoiding problems. Storm damage, manufacturer defects, and neglect can all impact the life of a roof.
The best thing you can do for your roof is to be aware of its condition and how it’s holding up, regardless of how new your roof is. Being mindful of problems can mean the difference between a simple repair or a total replacement.
Is your roof doing its job? Here are a few key points that can help you tell if your roof is in need of a repair or a replacement.
Assess Any Interior Damage
Just because you don’t have an interior leak doesn’t mean your roof is doing its job properly.It’s important to inspect your attic for water damage or even standing water. If there is evidence that water has been there, it’s time to call in a professional roofing contractor to assess the problem.
If you can see stains where water has been on your interior ceilings or walls, this could indicate water damage from the roof. You may have water coming in from a structural problem or missing shingles and aren’t aware of it until you see evidence or damage that the water has caused.
Interior damage could indicate a roof replacement, which may be more cost effective than an extensive repair, especially if the moisture has been causing more damage than you realize.
Check for Shingle Problems
Shingles can provide insight into the health of your roof. They’re an essential component of your roofing system, keeping moisture out and protecting the structure underneath.Noticeable shingle problems, including cracked or curling shingles, shingles that are missing or loose, or mold or mildew on your roof, are all signs that the shingles may have reached the end of their life and need to be replaced.
If your roof is relatively new, shingle damage could be a manufacturer’s defect and may be covered under warranty. If your roof is getting up in years, these types of shingle damage may indicate it’s getting close to replacement time!
Consider Storm Damage
Your roof was designed and installed to protect your home from the elements. However, no roof is completely impervious to all damage, including damage from storms.Storms that bring high-speed winds, driving rains, hail, and debris such as tree limbs on your roof can all cause damage. Extensive storm damage is best repaired by the company that installed your roof, but you shouldn’t need a total replacement unless the damage is so extensive that your roofing system has been compromised.
Storm damage may only constitute a repair if your roof is in good standing. Roofs that are old or show extensive damage may be in need of a replacement after a bad storm.
What Does Your Roof Need?
Although keeping up with your roof’s performance is a good idea for every homeowner, it’s always best to consult with a professional roofing contractor to determine exactly what your roof needs.These skilled craftsman can tell if a leak is present, if your roof just needs an easy repair, or if a replacement is in your future. They can also conduct closer inspections that may be too risky for many homeowners to attempt, such as getting up on a steep rooftop.
Contact your local roofing professionals today to gain greater insight into the health of your roof and best determine what it needs to continue protecting your home!